Champion jockey brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz have been accused of involvement in illegal cockfighting in their native Puerto Rico, just days before they are set to compete in the Preakness Stakes. The allegations emerged from a USA Today investigation into social media posts and videos.
In one video, posted in November and shared widely in January, the brothers appear to be collecting cash inside a ring at a cockfighting event. Cockfighting, where roosters often fight to death, has been illegal in the US and its territories, including Puerto Rico, since 2019, though it remains a cultural tradition on the island.
USA Today also uncovered a Facebook post advertising a December cockfighting event featuring a photo of the Ortiz brothers. The post read: 'Meet the Participants. Brothers Irad and José Luis Ortiz accepted the challenge of competing in the tournament of champions known as the Gran Campeón Caribeño, with a single goal: to attempt to be crowned the undisputed champions.'
The brothers, who have combined earnings of over £520 million from horse racing, have not responded to requests for comment. Animal rights activists have urged racing authorities to investigate and ban them from Eclipse Awards eligibility.
Both jockeys are scheduled to ride in Saturday's Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the US Triple Crown. Jose will partner Chip Honcho, while Irad rides Talkin at Laurel Park. The Horse Racing Safety and Integrity Authority's jurisdiction does not cover Puerto Rico.
